White Flame Read Free Page A

of doing her studies.
    Renny, unaware of Emma’s presence, continued to chatter away to the captain leaning against the wall. Folding her gloved hands in front of her, Emma spoke in her firmest voice. “Ranait, it’s rude to intrude upon the captain and his men. You’ve taken up enough of their time for one day.”
    Captain Derek Sanders, a tall blond man in his mid-thirties, pushed away from the wall and stepped forward with a warm smite. He removed his hat. “Good afternoon, Miss Emma. I assure you that your delightful young sister is no trouble. In fact, you are both welcome to join me anytime.”
    Emma smiled politely. The captain was a handsome man, tall and fit, always neatly attired, and groomed with clean, short nails, and hair most women would kill for. Blond and glossy, he kept it short, the ends just brushing against the collar of his uniform. “That’s very kind of you, Captain, but Renny mustn’t neglect her studies.”
    Derek brushed his fingers over his moustache and smiled, his voice a low, seductive hum for her ears only. “You’re a breath of fresh air to this weary soldier, Miss Emma. It will be a pleasure to have two beautiful ladies visiting at the fort.”
    Emma lowered her gaze, embarrassed yet thrilled at his flowery compliment. She pulled at her gloved fingers. “That’s very kind of you, Captain Sanders.”
    Derek stopped her nervous fidgeting by taking her fingers firmly in his grasp. Lifting one hand to his lips, he pressed his lips to her gloved palm. “Merely the truth, Miss Emma.”
    She glanced warily at him. Was he making fun of her? He stepped closer. His soft, honey-brown eyes reminded her of a soulful puppy. Her heart raced at the desire in his eyes.
    “I think I’m falling in love with you, Emma. I hope you’ll allow me to get to know you?”
    Flustered by his boldly stated feelings, Emma pulled her hands from his grasp and turned to watch Renny brushing down a chestnut mare. “There’s much for me to consider, Captain Sanders.”
    Derek clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze following hers. “Ah, yes, your young sister. As I said, a delightful child.”
    Emma lifted one brow. “My dear, Captain. I fear you’ve taken in too much sun.” Delightful was not a word she’d choose to describe Renny of late. Headstrong, willful and rebellious came to mind; right now, her sister looked like an abandoned urchin. Bits of straw clung to her soiled pinafore, and her hair hung loose, the neat braids long gone. Searching the straw on the floor, Emma spotted a lone blue ribbon. The other one was nowhere to be seen. She sighed. “Appearances can be deceiving, Captain. You have not seen Renny at her worst. I fear her escapades have sent many a brave man running.”
    Derek laughed softly and twisted the ends of his moustache. “Ah, my dear Miss Emma. I am not most men. Do not worry about me. I can handle a mere child. In fact, I find her high spirits quite entertaining.”
    Emma smoothed the wrinkles from her skirt then folded her hands demurely to still their nervous trembling. “Time will tell, Captain. Since my aunt passed away, I fear Renny has grown even more headstrong.” A wistful sigh escaped at the thought of never seeing her beloved Aunt Ida again. How she missed her. Though she’d become fragile with age, giving over the running of the household and the raising of Renny to Emma, she’d retained a calming effect on the young girl.
    Renny had been a happy and content child without their father. But as the years had passed, and as she’d observed her friends and their families, Renny had become more aware and concerned with the absence of their father. The sporadic letters and gifts along with the empty promises that he’d return when his duty was over no longer appeased or fooled her. Emma’s lips twisted at that bald-faced lie. Colonel Grady O’Brien’s tour of duty would never be over.
    Putting the bitter thoughts from her mind, she watched her sister, noting